CNC Estimator

Optima UK Inc Ltd; Coventry; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Optima UK Inc Ltd in Coventry seeks an experienced CNC Estimator to quote accurately on CNC machined parts and assemblies. You will interpret customer RFQs and drawings, build costings covering material, setup, tooling and subcontracting, and work with programming, manufacturing and operations to establish efficient production routes. You will manage quotes through delivery and protect margins.

Qualifications

• Proven experience estimating for CNC machined components.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Strong commercial awareness with cost and margin understanding.

Responsibilities

• Review RFQs, drawings, and technical requirements.
• Produce detailed cost estimates for CNC parts and assemblies.
• Develop costings including material, setup, cycle times, tooling and subcontracting.
• Collaborate with programming, manufacturing and operations teams to determine routes and times.
• Coordinate post-order delivery, monitor costs, lead times and risks.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating and project management processes.

Skills

CNC estimation

Excel proficiency

Costing & pricing

Communication

Project coordination

Tools

ERP or costing system

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Location: Coventry

Commutable from: Coventry, Kenilworth, Warwick, Leamington Spa, Rugby and surrounding areas

Salary: £50,000 - £65,000 (DOE)

Working hours: Full-time, permanent

About the Company

Our client is a growing engineering and manufacturing organisation specialising in precision CNC machined components. Supporting customers across demanding sectors, they combine advanced machining, fabrication and engineering capability with a strong focus on quality and delivery.

About the Role

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced CNC Estimator to join a busy and expanding manufacturing business.

You will be responsible for interpreting customer requirements, developing accurate and commercially competitive quotations, and working closely with programming, manufacturing and operations teams to establish the most efficient production route. Once an order is secured, you will stay involved through to delivery, coordinating internal teams, monitoring cost and lead time, and acting as a key point of contact for the customer.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and interpret customer RFQs, drawings, specifications and technical requirements.
• Produce detailed and accurate cost estimates for CNC machined parts and assemblies.
• Build costings covering material, set-up and cycle times, programming, tooling, fixtures, inspection and subcontract operations.
• Work with programmers, manufacturing engineers and operations to establish machining strategies, routes and times.
• Obtain and assess supplier and subcontractor quotations (e.g. heat treatment, surface finishing, NDT) and lead times.
• Liaise with customers to clarify requirements and support the quotation process.
• Ensure quotations are competitive while protecting margin and allowing for manufacturing risk.
• Following order win, manage the project through to delivery, coordinating Production, Quality, Procurement and Planning to keep jobs on track.
• Monitor cost, timescales and risks, and manage changes to scope or schedule with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating, costing and project management processes.

About You

• Proven experience estimating for CNC machined components (milling, turning and/or multi-axis).
• A strong understanding of machining processes, materials, tooling and achievable cycle times.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, tolerances and specifications.
• Experience taking orders from quotation through to delivery, including customer communication and progress tracking.
• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of costs and margins.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and general IT skills; ERP or costing system experience is an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills with customers, suppliers and internal teams.
• A practical, hands-on approach and the ability to manage multiple quotes and projects at once.

Desirable

• Experience in aerospace or another regulated or high-precision sector.
• Programming (CAM) or shop-floor machining background.